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Everything you ever wanted to know about your Research Paper, but were afraid to ask.
Writing a persuasive research paper is a process that involves:
1. Selecting a subject of interest,
2. narrowing it,
3. creating a thesis (position statement)—this is your argument—
4. and supporting it with a minimum of five (5) sources.
These include information form:
• books
• articles from periodicals (magazines), and/or
• articles from the Internet.
Bear in mind (sounds uncomfortable and not altogether plausible) that you must document your sources, i.e., (i.e., “that is”) if you use a direct quote (the exact words taken from your book or periodical) you absolutely have to inform the reader where you obtained it ((Oatis 196)(the author is Oatis, the page number is 196)). We will follow MLA guidelines: these are standardized conventions, or rules, that you have to follow when writing a research paper.
5. Write out individual note cards for each of the sources used. This is IMPORTANT and REQUIRED!
6. Organize the paper:
• state your argument, support it with your research:
• always work toward the conclusion, using your most trenchant (strongest) argument, last. This is the best way to convince your reader, it leaves the strongest impression.
7. It is helpful to outline your paper first.
• Begin by stating your thesis,
• then write down the individual points you plan to make, as well as all associated details,
• And end by writing your conclusion. This is essentially an extended restatement of your original thesis.
8. Write your paper:
• Read it over. This is you first draft. Know that it contains a variety of errors, such as those of punctuation, typography (typos), and spelling; a common mistake is the failure to attribute (give credit to) sources–we refer to these as “citations.” In other words, if you use a direct quote or paraphrase (the information in a quote is rewritten), you must indicate in your paper, at that point, where the information came from (Oatis 986).
Bear in mind…(that bear, again):
• Your argument must be debatable or disputable.
• Facts are unacceptable—they can’t be argued.
• Opinions or personal preferences are unacceptable—they can’t be proven by facts (research).
• Select an area of interest that is neither too broad nor too narrow; don’t decide to write you paper on Evolution versus Creationism. This is too broad.
• Be careful that the resources for your topic are available at either our library, or the public library.
• Take care that you can complete the paper by the stated deadline: JANUARY 10.
• Avoid extremely complicated topics: “Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity is incorrect.” Do you see how this might be slightly problematic?
Important Dates/Allocations of Points (200 points):
1. December 14: Topic and thesis (position) statement: 25 points.
2. January 3: Bibliography cards and notes for each card (source): 50 points.
3. Working bibliography (eventually, your Works Cited page) 25 Points
4. January 10: Final paper: 100 Points
Bring all questions to the nearest oracle and they will be answered!
Good Luck! Mr:O
